Who Owned the Chicago Cubs? A Lovable History
Let's talk about the Chicago Cubs. You know, that team that’s been around so long, they’ve probably got a membership card to the dinosaur club. And while their fans have endured more heartbreak than a Nicholas Sparks novel, the Cubs have had their fair share of interesting owners too.
The Early Days: When Baseball Was Wild and Hairy
Back in the day, when baseball was a contact sport and players used horsehide for gloves, the Cubs were owned by a bunch of guys who probably wore suits with vests and pocket watches. There was Charles Murphy, a guy who probably thought a home run was a long walk. Then came Charles Taft, who, if he were alive today, would probably be tweeting about how great golf is.
The Wrigley Dynasty: Chewing Gum and Curse-Breaking
Then came the Wrigley family. You know, the folks behind that delicious minty treat that freshens your breath and makes your enemies jealous. William Wrigley Jr., a man who clearly had a sweet tooth for baseball, bought the team and renamed the park Cubs Park. Later, it became the iconic Wrigley Field. The Wrigley family owned the Cubs for a long time, which is impressive, considering they probably got offered a billion dollars a day for the team. But hey, loyalty is important, right?
The Tribune Company: When Newspapers Owned Baseball Teams
After the Wrigley era, the Tribune Company took the reins. Now, I’m not sure if writing about sports and owning a sports team are mutually exclusive, but they gave it a shot. Their ownership was marked by some highs and lows, but mostly lows, if we're being honest. It was during their tenure that the infamous "Curse of the Billy Goat" really seemed to take hold. Poor Cubs fans.
The Ricketts Family: New Owners, New Hope (Mostly)
Finally, in 2009, the Ricketts family swooped in and bought the Cubs. A family of billionaires, they brought some much-needed cash and a fresh perspective to the team. And, gasp, they actually broke the curse! It was like winning the lottery and finding a winning scratch-off ticket in the same day. So, while the Cubs have had their fair share of rollercoaster owners, the Ricketts family seems to be on the right track.
So, who’s next in line to own the Cubs? Will it be a tech billionaire looking to buy some clout? A foreign investor dreaming of American sports glory? Or maybe, just maybe, a group of loyal Cubs fans who win the lottery and decide to give back to the team? Only time will tell.
How to... Cubs Ownership Edition
- How to buy a baseball team: First, win the lottery. Then, convince a group of billionaires to invest in your crazy dream.
- How to break a curse: Win a World Series. It’s that simple.
- How to survive as a Cubs fan: Develop a thick skin, a love for disappointment, and a really good therapist.
- How to enjoy a Cubs game: Wear blue, eat a hot dog, and cheer really loudly. Even when they’re losing.
- How to become a Cubs legend: Hit a walk-off home run in Game 7 of the World Series. Easy, right?